-- Grace Elizabeth --

Monday, July 25, 2011

Inside Threat by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn is the 4th book of the Riley Covington series. I picked this book to review from Tyndale without reading the other three. I figured each book would be a story in itself and the beginning of the book filled me in on lots of Riley's background. To be honest, I was not sure I could finish this book. The first 196 pages drug for me-it was an effort to pick the book up to continue reading but I kept on and was glad I did. On page 200 the action and real storyline begin and WOW, it was hard to put down.

Riley Covington is a football player who also, in the previous books was in the military fighting terrorists. There is a bunch of homegrown Islamic terrorists who kill a prominent senator and during his funeral, this group overruns the National Cathedral and takes members of Congress and others hostage. What Riley finds out is that his former girlfriend Khadi is part of that hostage crisis. Riley devises a dangerous rescue plan which really puts you on the edge of your seat. Can't tell you more-must read the book to find out how and if he succeeds.The scary part of this book is that it could have come from the headlines of the newspaper instead of the authors head. We never know what evil lurks around the corner but the co-authors have put lots of scripture throughout this book and we, as Christians, know the "end of the story"

Thank you so much to Tyndale Publishers for this free book just for my honest opinion. I will be picking up the other 3 Riley Covington books to read.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

I think Andy Stanley is the BEST!!. I think he is a gifted preacher and a superb book author. I requested this book Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley and was surprised. Surprised that it was a book that came out in 2006 titled-It Came From Within. I am sure I read it when it came out but rereading his books is always enlightening. What makes his writing so enjoyable is you can see him, on his stool, teaching this to the congregation along with his humor. He has personal stories throughout this book along with some "knock them dead" teaching on breaking free from the four emotions that control you-guilt, greed, anger and jealousy. All these are a "heart" issue and he digs deep into these topics and gives help on conquering these emotions. He explains how these damage our relationships and can destroy our homes, career and friendships. He helps us understand why we do the things we do and how to take charge with biblical direction. Confess, forgive, give and celebrate, theses are the habits that will change everything. These four habits set us free to love as God intends for us to love. Anger, greed, guilt and jealousy are the four monsters that can grow unchecked in your heart which will make your efforts to love short-lived.This book has so much practical advice and help for anyone. I found myself highlighting pages and will read this one again and again-it is that good.Thanks to Waterbrook/Multnomah for sending this free copy for my honest review.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

I must confess-I am a devotional-holic!!!. I love devotionals and usually read 10 different ones each morning before my bible reading. Love insights by different authors. When I saw this one on booksneeze I jumped at the chance to review it. I have Larry Crabbs 66 Love Letters and loved it so I knew I would love this on and I did. This one is just a 40 day devotional which is nice when there aren't days to follow. This devotional is so unique, it's short, packed with conversation with God (that is as good as it gets), and new insights on how to think about love. He has taken a different book each day to discuss. For example, Day 8 is about Ruth with a subtitle of my love can overcome all obstacles. The best part is you are reading from God's perspective and in the first person which makes it so much fun to read. After the story is a series of questions-take a moment to reflect which are very thought provoking and interesting. Last is a prayer to God and how it reflects the story you just read.

I guarantee you will "fall in love with the Savior" after this devotional is done. You relationship with Him will be deeper. Consider this your personal letter from God to you. This is a book I will go back over again and again-it is that good.Thank you Thomas Nelson for sending me this free just for my honest opinion.

About Me

I am the mother of two children, a daughter and son. My daughter is 1st LT. in the Army. She recently married My son is married and now I have one 7 year old granddaughter,Grace, and a new step granddaughter Kearstan. I also have 2 more step-grandchildren I have been married for 42 years. I retired from a local Christian book store where I was the book buyer. My passion has been reading and selling books to wonderful customers for the last 14 years and I am thankful to God that I was able to do that for so long. I love my church-Faith Church in Lafayette, Indiana and enjoy serving there in various ministries.